The Jordan HousePhotograph courtesy of West Des Moines Historical Society

Photo of James C. Jordan taken
while he was serving in the Iowa SenatePhotograph courtesy of West Des Moines Historical Society

James Cunningham Jordan, one of Iowa’s most influential early settlers built
this house, probably in phases, between 1850 and 1870. Jordan was born
in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in 1813 to John and Agnes Cunningham
Jordan. He began raising and selling livestock and later turned his attention
to real estate and promoting railroad development. Jordan was director
of the State Bank branch in Des Moines and in 1854 was elected to the
Iowa Senate, representing Valley Junction (now West Des Moines). He was
influential in introducing legislation to move the state capitol from
Iowa City to Des Moines.

Jordan's house was a known stop on the Underground Railroad. He was
a staunch aboltionist, and has been called the “Chief Conductor” of
the Underground Railroad for Polk County. Jordan's pastor eulogized
him by stating “In the troublous days of slavery this great heart reached
out and helped the oppressed, seeking the north star of freedom.” Jordan
assisted John Brown on his famous last trip from Kansas before the raid
at Harper’s Ferry, when Brown and his party of escaping slaves camped
at Jordan's farm in February 1858.

The Jordan House is located a 2001 Fuller Rd., in West Des Moines,
Iowa. Today the Jordan House serves both as a museum for West Des Moines
and as the office of the West Des Moines Historical Society. It is open
for tours Fridays at 11 am and 4 pm, and first Sundays at 1 and 2 pm. There is a fee
for admission; call 515-225-1286 or visit the house's website
for further information.